Retired PC Antony (Tony) Carroll passed away peacefully at home on 1st August 2025 at the age of 83 after a period of ill health.
Tony was much loved by his family, friends and former colleagues, and was summed up by his children as an “absolute legend”.
He was a man full of character – brave, dedicated, honest, witty and down to earth – who loved his long career in the force, where he was praised as a “first-rate officer” and a “credit to the police service”.
Tony was born on 5th September 1941 in Twickenham. He attended Hampton Hill Junior School in 1946, later passed his 11 plus exam and in 1953 went to the County Grammar School, Ashford, Middlesex.
A hard worker even from an early age, he started helping in his parents’ fish and chip shop when he was 14 while still in education.
Tony left school in 1958 and on 10th November that year joined the Metropolitan Police as a junior cadet. He progressed to a senior cadet, and on his 19th birthday, was attested as a Police Constable. He was posted to Albany Street Police Station near Regent’s Park in London.
During the 1960s, Tony played senior amateur football for Hampton, Southall, Hounslow Town and finally Staines Town. He also played on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the Police. Injury forced him to retire from playing football in 1969, after which he refereed for 10 years for the Middlesex FA.
In 1963, Tony was transferred to Richmond Police Station where he remained for the rest of his service. He soon became a motorcyclist, commonly known as a “Noddy” rider. In 1966, he passed his driving course at Hendon Driving School and, after further driving courses, became a Class 1 driver in 1972.
Between 1978 and 1987, Tony was selected to drive for the Flying Squad at Scotland Yard — a period he always said was the most enjoyable of his career.
Tony received a Commissioner’s Commendation for bravery and a £20 Bow Street Reward Fund in 1978 for his role in dealing with a gang war at Richmond, for which he was also commended by the judge at the Old Bailey.
He “achieved a standard of professionalism throughout his long and active career that others aspire to reach,” his Inspector said in his annual performance report in 1980.
Tony was, the Inspector wrote, “a thoroughly conscientious man who never hesitates to pass on his acquired knowledge to those junior in service.
“He is a superb example of the sort of police officer that the force endeavours to create. A first-rate officer who is a credit to the police service.”
He retired from the force in 1990 and relocated with his family to Wiltshire, where he became, first a tax inspector for West Wilts District Council, and then spent 14 years as a benefit fraud investigator until he retired again.
In 1997, he joined the Clarendon Lodge of Freemasons gaining Provincial Honours for his work within the Lodge.
Ever the worker, Tony, embracing his love of driving, became a taxi driver before fully retiring in 2020.
Tony is greatly missed by his wife Susan, and children Mark, Julie, Andrew, Luisa, Paul, Amanda and David, and his adored grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements
Tony's funeral will take place on Tuesday 16th September, 12 noon service – please arrive from 11:35am. At West Wiltshire Crematorium, Devizes Road, Semington, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 6HL.
If you wish to attend full details can be found in the Members Area under Funeral Notices on this website.
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